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Poetry

Al Burda Award recognizes poetry as a medium that highlights the life and character of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) through the art of language and the power of verbal expression. Receiving submissions for both classical and Nabati poetry, the award simultaneously celebrates the beauty of the Arabic language and the literary heritage of the Arab and Islamic world. In a sense, the poetry category is a literal reflection of the award’s namesake, ‘Al Burda’, derived from Qasidat Al Burda, or Ode of the Mantle, which is an epic poem for the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), authored by the 12th century Sufi mystic Imam Al Busiri.

Categories & Criteria

Classical Poetry
  • The poem's theme must reflect the focus of the Al Burda Award and its theme for this year, which is "Al-Noor (light)" Poems that do not adhere to this theme will be disqualified. 

  • The poem must adhere to the principles of writing vertical poetry or Dactyl poetry (tafilah). 

  • The poem must be fully accurate and precise, and the visual presentation should be suitable for the nature of the poem's text. 

  • The poem must be an original and new work attributed solely to the applicant. 

  • If the poem is vertical poetry , it should be between 15 to 30 verses. 

  • If it is Dactyl poetry (tafilah), it should be between 20 to 35 lines. 

  • The poem must not have been published in newspapers, magazines, or on websites. 

  • Each poet may submit only one poem for the award. 

  • The work should be submitted electronically by uploading it through the submission form on the award's website. 

prizes
  • 1st Prize: 70,000 AED
  • 2nd Prize: 50,000 AED
  • 3rd Prize: 40,000 AED
  • 4th Prize: 30,000 AED
  • 5th Prize: 20,000 AED
Free Verse Poetry
  • The poem's theme must reflect the focus of the Al Burda Award and its theme for this year, which is "Al-Noor (light)" Poems that do not adhere to this theme will be disqualified.
  • The poem must be an original and new work attributed solely to the applicant.
  • The poet has the freedom to choose the number of lines, their length, and structure.
  • Emphasis on content: the focus is on the message and emotions conveyed by the poem rather than rigid adherence to rules.
  • The poem should adhere to Nabati poetry and its language, derived from classical Arabic, avoiding colloquial or popular language.
  • The poem must not have been published in newspapers, magazines, or on websites.
  • Each poet may submit only one poem for the award.
  • The work should be submitted electronically by uploading it through the submission form on the award's website.
prizes
  • 1st Prize: 70,000 AED
  • 2nd Prize: 50,000 AED
  • 3rd Prize: 40,000 AED

 

Nabati poetry
  • The poem's theme must reflect the focus of the Al Burda Award and its theme for this year, which is "Al-Noor (light)" Poems that do not adhere to this theme will be disqualified.
  • The poem must comply with the artistic foundations of Nabati poetry.
  • The poem must be an original and new work attributed solely to the applicant.
  • The poem should be between 15 to 30 verses.
  • The poem should adhere to Nabati poetry and its language, derived from classical Arabic, avoiding colloquial or popular language.
  • The poem must not have been published in newspapers, magazines, or on websites.
  • Each poet may submit only one poem for the award.
  • The work should be submitted electronically by uploading it through the submission form on the award's website.
prizes
  • 1st Prize: 70,000 AED
  • 2nd Prize: 50,000 AED
  • 3rd Prize: 40,000 AED
  • 4th Prize: 30,000 AED
  • 5th Prize: 20,000 AED